The Deaf Mute of Decapolis

Our story today takes place in the area around the Sea of Galilee known as the Decapolis, which means ten cities because the Decapolis was comprised of ten cities.
(The names of the cities are in black on the map.)

They brought a man to Jesus who was deaf and had a speech impediment.
That means he could not hear nor speak plainly. Those who brought him begged Jesus to put his hand on him and heal him.

Jesus did not do this miracle in front of a lot of people, but took him aside, away from the multitude to heal him. Here's what he did.
He put his fingers in the man's ears, then he spit and touched the man's tongue.

Looking up to heaven Jesus sighed deeply and said Ephphatha which means "Open up". At once he began to hear and could speak plainly!

As he had at other times, Jesus told them not to tell anyone, but you know what happened. They were so eager to share the good news they went about telling everyone.

People were amazed. They said, "He does everything well! He even makes deaf people to hear and causes those who cannot speak to be able to speak plainly!"